Cometh the gPhone?

Google clearly dislikes being left out of anything. Apple has a phone, so now Google wants one, too. The G-men, it’s reported, will soon announce the so-called gPhone, or Google phone. It’s suggested that Google will launch a phone in mid-2008. Both HTC and LG are mentioned as potential manufacturing partners for the Google Phone.

It’s theorized that the Google phone would be an open phone, allowing others to add services as they see fit. The core services on the phone, though, would be extensions of many of Google’s existing services, such as mapping, video, informational searches, and e-mail.

Google previously expressed interest in acquiring some of the 700MHz spectrum that the FCC is expected to auction off next year. Whether for a mobile Internet service or phone, or both, it’s not clear exactly what Google intends. One thing is clear: Google has ambitions beyond the land-based world of the Internet.

Microsoft has expressed some doubt about what Google is doing. Raising questions about just how innovative Google can be. I find myself agreeing with Microsoft for once. The most innovative thing about the iPhone, for example, was the conglomeration of many different technologies and functions in one device. But such convergence has been happening since the first mobile phone camera was born. When you carry a device that has sufficient computing power to handle digital voice communications and a camera, then MP3 playback, basic Web browsing and picture display are not exactly leaps in the dark. Google takes this a little further, but really it’s about content and software, and not innovative hardware. Still, it will be interesting to see what comes out of this. Is there room for another player in smart phones? Microsoft, Nokia, Palm and Apple may not be entirely welcoming.